John O’Dea of rural Indianola, Nebraska is not a firefighter, but he’s been on a mission to answer the call for help in any way he can. He and his son have been at the forefront of organizing hay relief for producers impacted by recent wildfires.
O’Dea said he’s been receiving calls from 5 am to midnight every day since the fires ignited on April 22, 2022. Some call to donate hay, some call to donate money, some want to donate their equipment or labor, and some just call because they need somebody to talk to who understands the severity of their situations.
But O’Dea said the reason he does what he does is pretty simple.
“It’s what we do,” he said. “I’ll guarantee you some of the toughest people in the world are right here in southwest Nebraska.”
Happening Sunday, May 1, at the Indianola Community Building is a fundraiser event beginning at 6:00 pm with a dessert auction to follow at 7:00 pm.
In addition, O’Dea and his sons are leading a hay relief effort, which includes an established drop off donation site. The drop off is located 1 mile west of Indianola on the south side of the road. The address is 39528 US HWY 6, Indianola. The duo requests people call ahead and labor and a loader will be available to unload.
Find more wildfire relief opportunities here.
